Reptile Anatomy & Physiology

Question 1

Chromatophores

Answer 1

Allow change in the reflectivity of visible light
* found in the skin
* seen in Chamaeleon and Anolis spp

Question 2

Lizard Lungs

Answer 2

Cranial Portion
* more vascular
* serves more respiratory functions

Caudal Portion
* sac-like
* may extend to pelvis

Question 3

Tail Autotomy

Answer 3

Loss or release of a tail
* occurs in many species
* adaptation created to distract and allow escape

Question 4

Parietal Eye

Answer 4

• Photoreceptor
• Important in hormone production and thermoregulatory behavior
• only in some species - iguanas and tuataras

Question 5

Snake Jaws

Answer 5

Maxilla
* loosely connected to other cranial bones for movement

Mandible
* specialized hinges
* allows dynamic movement during ingestion

Question 6

Snake Heart

Answer 6

Position has direct correlation with arboreal, terrestrial, and aquatic habitats
* terrestrial and arboreal species - closer to head
* aquatic species - mid body

Question 7

Vomeronasal Organ

Answer 7

Also called Jacobson’s Organ
* detects non-aerial, non-volatile particulate odors
* plays vital role in predation

Question 8

Snake Lungs

Answer 8

Most only have a functional right lung
* smaller, non-functioning left lung

Question 9

Oviparous

Answer 9

Snakes and Lizards that lay eggs

Question 10

Ovoviviparous

Answer 10

Reptillian live birth
* old term
* no direct maternal nutrition given during development

Question 11

Viviparous

Answer 11

Snakes and Lizards that give live birth

Question 12

Carapace

Answer 12

Dorsal shell

Question 13

Plastron

Answer 13

Ventral shell

Question 14

Scutes

Answer 14

Keratinized Epithelium
* part of turtle / tortoise

Question 15

Male vs Female Chelonians

Answer 15

Males
* concave plastron
* longer tail
* larger size

Question 16

Renal-Portal System
in Reptiles

Answer 16

Allows blood from caudal body to be shunted through the kidneys prior to going back to heart